India calls Trump’s tariff threat over Russian oil ’unjustified’

India has called Donald Trump’s threat of ’’substantially’’ higher tariffs over its purchase of oil from Russia ’’unjustified and unreasonable’’.

Danish zoo asks for unwanted pets to feed its predators

A zoo in Denmark has appealed to the public to donate their healthy unwanted pets as part of a unique effort to provide food for its predators.

First randoli perahera of Kandy esala festival parades streets

The first Randoli Perahera of the historic Kandy Esala Perahera took to the streets this evening, beginning at the auspicious time of 7:16 p.m.

JVP protested against casinos due to politicial deals with casino kings: Deputy Minister

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) earlier protested against casinos as certain political families struck deals with casino kings such as James Packer by giving them special perks and trying to start casinos even without an Act for regulating it, Deputy Tourism Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe said.

SJB to vote in favour of resolution to remove Deshabandu

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has decided to vote in favour of the resolution to remove IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon from the post, Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Katunathilleke said.

Tesla awards boss Elon Musk $29bn in shares

Tesla has granted its chief executive Elon Musk $29bn (£21.7bn) worth of its shares, in an attempt to keep the billionaire at the firm.

Uphold good governance, transparency, or risk losing trust of international creditors - Cassilingam tells govt.

The government must remain firmly committed to good governance and transparency or it risks losing its credibility with the international creditors including the Paris Club of creditors, Jaffna District Organizer of SLPP and Politburo member, Geethanath Cassilingam said.

CSE surpasses 20,000 milestone prior to ASPI decline

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) marked a historic milestone today as the All Share Price Index (ASPI) crossed the 20,000 mark for the first time, gaining nearly 120 points within the first 30 minutes of trading. However, the initial optimism gave way to profit-taking, resulting in a reversal of early gains. The ASPI closed the day down by 128.02 points (-0.64%) at 19,786.23, while the S&P SL20 declined by 37.14 points (-0.63%) to end at 5,857.61

Skinned leopard carcass found at Maduru Oya National Park

The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) officials have recovered a skinned leopard carcass today at the Maduru Oya National Park.

Countrywide crackdown nets 3,200 for traffic violations

An intensified countrywide crackdown by the Sri Lanka Police, Police Special Task Force (STF), and Tri-Forces has led to the arrest of 110 drunk drivers and legal action against 3,202 individuals for reckless driving and other traffic violations on expressways.

South African farm worker says he was forced to feed women to pigs

A white South African farm worker accused of killing two black women says he was forced to feed their bodies to pigs, according to lawyers.

Humans invading elephant habitats: Vedda chief warns

Vedda Chief Uru Warige Wannila Aththo says the real issue today is not an elephant-human conflict, but a human-elephant conflict.

Ranil’s personal secretary quizzed for six hours

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) recorded a six-hour statement from Sandra Perera, the personal secretary to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe today.

COPF proposes regulating lotteries under Gambling Authority Bill

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has proposed improvements to the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, while advocating for the inclusion of the National Lotteries Board and Development Lotteries Board within the regulatory framework of the said authority.

Tourism revenue figures disputed as Minister’s claim contradicts CBSL data

A mismatch between official statistics and government statements has sparked controversy over Sri Lanka’s reported tourism revenue for 2025.

PUCSL to hold public hearing on February’s island-wide power failure on August 5

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) will conduct a public hearing tomorrow (5), to investigate the island-wide power failure that occurred on February 9, 2025.

Two petitions challenging legality of Sri Lanka-India MoUs dismissed by SC

Two Fundamental Rights petitions filed seeking an order to invalidate the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed between Sri Lanka and India, were today dismissed by the Supreme Court.

Accident involving President’s Secretary’s car injures four

Four members of the same family, including two children, were hospitalised following an accident involving the official vehicle of President’s Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake in Thalangama.

Does Minister live on Aswesuma?: Nandana

One wonders whether Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe lives on Aswesuma as they contribute their salaries to the party, former MP Nandana Gunathileke said.

Govt aims to solve housing issue in 5 to 10 years: Minister Samarasinghe

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe says the government is committed to resolving Sri Lanka’s longstanding housing crisis within the next five to ten years.

Naked man caught on camera riding bicycle through Kandana town

A man riding a bicycle completely naked through the middle of Kandana town has sparked public concern after being caught on a vehicle’s dashboard camera.

Okkampitiya OIC remanded over bribery allegations

The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Okkampitiya Police Station, who was arrested over allegations of soliciting and accepting a bribe was ordered to be remanded till August 18 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga today.

Severe lightning, thundershower alert issued for 10 districts

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Meteorology Department has issued a severe lightning alert for 10 districts in the Northern, North-Central, and Eastern provinces.

8-year-old boy dies after falling into toilet pit in Bhagwanthalawa

Bhagwanthalawa, August 4 (Daily Mirror) - An eight-year-old boy tragically died yesterday after falling into a six-foot-deep toilet pit near his home in the Bhagwanthalawa Kiw Estate, police said.

Sri Lankan envoy says talks underway to further reduce U.S. tariffs

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States Mahinda Samarasinghe said that diplomatic discussions are ongoing to further reduce U.S. tariffs on Sri Lankan exports.

CID summons ex-President’s secretary over trip funds

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has summoned Sandra Perera, the personal secretary to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, to provide a statement in connection with an investigation into a foreign trip allegedly funded using financial allocations from the Presidential Secretariat.

SLTB driver arrested for drunk driving with passengers onboard in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, August 4 (Daily Mirror) - A driver attached to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) was arrested by Nuwara Eliya police yesterday for driving a passenger bus under the influence of alcohol.

‘Happy Streets’ event leaves Marine Drive covered in trash

The “Happy Streets” event, held on August 3 from 6 AM to 11 PM along the Colpetty stretch of Marine Drive, ended with streets covered in garbage, leaving many disappointed the next morning.

Another elephant found dead

The body of a wild elephant was discovered in a swamp near the Karametiya Tank in the Dahaiyagala area, within the Hambegamuwa Police Division, officials confirmed today.

Bribery Commission warns of legal action over assets declarations

Legal action will be taken against any Executive Grade State official who fails to submit their assets and liabilities declarations by August 31, 2025, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) said.